Thomas James Lynn was born on November 20, 1930 in rural Shenandoah, the son of James E. and Doris F. (Varley) Lynn. He passed away on Saturday morning January 17, 2009 at the age of 78 years, 1 month, and 27 days.

Tom grew up in rural Fremont County, attended Prairie Glen Country School, and graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1948. In 1951,he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years in airborne communications. After basic training and schooling he was stationed at Fort McGuire, New Jersey. He was honorably discharged in 1955. During his enlistment, he was united in marriage to Joan Eitzen of Farragut on November 23, 1952 and later they were blessed with three children, Robert Thomas, Teresa Ann, and Karen Marie.

Tom helped neighbors and his father farm until he went into the Air Force. Upon his discharge, he settled on the Lynn home place where he resided until a few weeks before his death. He continued farming until his health failed in December.

Besides farming, he served as a rural mail carrier for six years. He was a lifelong member of the Summit United Methodist Church, Shenandoah American Legion, Fremont County Farm Bureau, Shenandoah Rural Firemen Board, Tarkio Valley Antique Tractor Association and the Massey Collectors Association.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Mary.

He is survived by his wife Joan of 56 years, children Bob and wife Robin of Farragut; Teresa and husband Mark Simmons of Shenandoah;and Karen and husband David Smissen of Toronto, Ontario; eight grandchildren, Crane, Casa, Chealsee, and Clair Lynn; A.J., Bret and Dustin Simmons; and Thomas Smissen. A sister, Sara Jo and husband Jim Painter of McAlester, Oklahoma. Sister-in-laws, Norma Mann of New Hope,Alabama and Judith Queen of Council Bluffs. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as a host of friends he has made over the years.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m at the Furst United Methodist Church in Shenandoah with Rev. Fred Bryson officiating. Serving at the memorial register were Carol Jones and Fran Tyner, while Beth Keep and Gwen Whitehill cared for the flowers. Ushers for the service were Wesley Hart, Gordon Jones, Orville Keep, Dick Phipps, Gerald Walters and Duane Whitehill. The congregation, accompanied by Pat Tillman joined in singing "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art". Curtis Athen, Roger Jones, Larry Lauman, Jeff McCoy, J.F. McQueen and Gary Walter served as casket bearers. Honorary Casket Bearers were Tom's Air Force Fifth Interceptor Squadron Buddies and all of his dear friends and relatives. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Summit United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society for Melanoma Research, or to the Shenandoah Fire Department.